These Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! Marinated in a rich honey and buffalo sauce, they come out tender and full of flavor. Yum!
I love serving these at cookouts. They disappear fast! Seriously, what’s not to love about sticky, juicy chicken? Just make sure you have extra napkins on hand! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless thighs work too. You could even substitute with chicken breasts, but they may require less cooking time.
Buffalo Sauce: Choose any brand of buffalo sauce you love. Homemade buffalo sauce is also easy to make if you want more control over the ingredients. You can adjust the heat level by mixing it with a bit of hot sauce or more honey for sweetness.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar could work well. They bring a similar sweetness, although the flavor will vary slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch of flavor! If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder is a reasonable substitute, about 1/2 teaspoon should do.
Olive Oil: Olive oil keeps the chicken moist while grilling. You can swap it with vegetable oil or melted butter if desired. Each will add a different richness.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor with Marinating?
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances the overall taste. Allow your chicken thighs to soak in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. This longer marinating time enables the bold flavors to penetrate the meat. Remember to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every bit is covered!
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl until they’re well combined.
- Place the chicken in the mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge. Let the flavors work their magic!
Don’t forget to reserve some marinade for basting while grilling. This keeps the chicken moist and adds layers of flavor during cooking.
How to Make Grilled Honey Buffalo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (your preferred brand)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (or overnight for even better flavor). Cooking on the grill will take an additional 15 minutes. So, in total, you should plan for around 30 to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your marinade time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nice and smooth. This is your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight will give you even tastier results.
3. Get Your Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals have developed a white ash. This ensures they’re hot enough for grilling!
4. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Remember to keep the leftover marinade for basting! Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down if they are skin-on, and grill for about 6-8 minutes.
5. Flip and Baste:
After 6-8 minutes, carefully flip the thighs over. Brush them with the reserved marinade using a basting brush. Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps lock in the juices. Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey buffalo chicken thighs!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts! Keep in mind that they may cook faster, so watch the grill closely and check for doneness at around 5-6 minutes per side to ensure they remain juicy.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No problem! You can make your own by combining hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with a bit of melted butter to achieve that wing sauce flavor. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to your taste!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
It’s best to marinate for no longer than 24 hours to avoid the chicken becoming too salty or mushy from the marinade. If you’re looking to prep ahead, just stick to 1-2 hours to overnight for optimal flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy it sliced on salads or in sandwiches!
